Catholic priest and theologian
who has been developing a positive understanding on LGBTI issues in
faith contexts for many years. James was born in England. Currently he works as
a travelling preacher, lecturer, and retreat giver. He has written many books on
God, religion and LGBTI people and a work on reimagining Christian theology - Broken Hearts and New Creations:
Intimations of a Great Reversal (2010).

The principal representatives of “religion” have until
recently been very negative about LGBTI people, and yet LGBTI people of faith
have discovered and are discovering, that it is our very struggle around issues
of identity that has deepened our awe and gratitude for all that is best in our
respective traditions. What are some of the ways in which we can help those who
have “issues” with us (our marriages, our voices, our forms of political
presence) move on, and maybe even move deeper into faith? What are going to be some of our tasks in a
future where being gay has become a “whatever” issue, but where the life of
faith will need to be much deeper if it is to survive?

About Me

Peter is a Catholic priest who works as a Pastoral Supervisor/Consultant and Supervisor Trainer. He is chair of Rachel's Vineyard Retreat Ministries, Sydney. He is editor of The Swag, the National Council of Priests quarterly magazine. He is currently on the Human Research Ethics Ethics Committee of The University of Technology, Sydney and is chaplain to PALMS Australia. He has worked in parish ministry for 40 years; hospital (1982-5; 1996; 2010) and university (UTS 1995-2009) chaplaincy and in full time youth retreat work. His qualifications include Bachelor of Theology from the Catholic Institute of Sydney and Masters in Education (Adult) UTS and is a Supervisor and Supervisor Trainer recognised with AAOS (Australasian Association of Supervision) and Transforming Practices Inc. He received a UTS Human Rights Award in 2008 - The Ally Award Celebrating and Supporting Sexual Diversity and Identity and the Alumni Community Award in 2015. He also was awarded an OAM in 2015. He is a member of Rainbow Catholics InterAgency (RCiA) promoting acceptance and diversity and Equal Voices, an ecumenical group of LGBT people and allies.